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What is the Connection Between Lisinopril and Norvasc®?
The connection between lisinopril and Norvasc® is that they are both used to treat high blood pressure. Physicians also prescribe lisinopril for congestive heart failure and Norvasc® to relieve symptoms of angina or chest pain that results from blocked arteries in the heart. Lisinopril and Norvasc® can be used together to treat stubborn cases of high blood pressure, provided that the patient does not also have congestive heart failure. Norvasc® should not be used by someone with congestive heart failure.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, does not always have a clear cause. Aging; hardening of the arteries, or arthrosclerosis; obesity; diabetes; too much salt in the diet and heredity are all associated with high blood pressure. What is known is that several drugs are highly effective in treating high blood pressure, two of which are lisinopril and Norvasc®.
Lisinopril and Norvasc® each act differently on the body to lower blood pressure. Lisinopril is in a class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which block the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, a naturally occurring enzyme in the body. This prevents the body from synthesizing a hormone, angiotensin II, that causes blood vessels to constrict. Easing blood vessel constriction eases blood flow, lowering blood pressure in the process. This can also aid patients with congestive heart by reducing the workload on the heart.
Norvasc®, which has the generic name of amlodipine, is in a class of drugs known calcium channel blockers. Blood contains an electrolyte solution that is involved with the regulation of blood pressure in the body. Calcium ions are part of the solution. Calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure by reducing the rate at which calcium ions move from the bloodstream into blood vessels in the heart.
The action caused by calcium channel blockers relaxes the vessels, resulting in greater and easier blood flow in coronary arteries. This can reduce blood pressure. It can also lessen pain from angina, which occurs when coronary arterial blockages reduce oxygen flow to the heart muscle. Some calcium channel blockers can also slow the heart rate. Norvasc® does not have that effect, however.
It is common practice to prescribe more than one drug to treat high blood pressure because of how different drugs act on the body. For this reason, lisinopril and Norvasc® are often prescribed together, unless the patient has congestive heart failure. The action of Norvasc® on the heart is the opposite of what is needed for a patient with congestive heart failure. So, in that situation, the two drugs should not be used together.
Adverse interactions between the two medications seem to be rare. Of most concern is blood pressure getting too low. This condition is called hypotension.
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![Lisinopril and Norvasc® are both prescribed for high blood pressure.]()
By: niyazzLisinopril and Norvasc® are both prescribed for high blood pressure. -
![Some people who take Lisinopril or Norvasc experience low blood pressure, also known as hypotension.]()
By: Monkey BusinessSome people who take Lisinopril or Norvasc experience low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. -
![ACE inhibitors used to treat hypertension include lisinopril, which is also sold under the brand names Prinivil and Zestril.]()
By: dambusterACE inhibitors used to treat hypertension include lisinopril, which is also sold under the brand names Prinivil and Zestril. -
![Lisinopril and Norvasc may sometimes be prescribed together, and used in conjunction with other medications to regulate blood pressure.]()
By: krutoevaLisinopril and Norvasc may sometimes be prescribed together, and used in conjunction with other medications to regulate blood pressure. -
![Lisinopril is a medication that blocks certain enzymes in the body responsible for blood vessel restriction.]()
By: Alexandr MitiucLisinopril is a medication that blocks certain enzymes in the body responsible for blood vessel restriction. -
![Norvasc should not be used by someone with congestive heart failure.]()
By: Photographee.euNorvasc should not be used by someone with congestive heart failure.
Discussion Comments
I am on both of these drugs. I get a cramping in my left leg but it goes away. My bp was 155 over 110 or higher, so I am down to 138 over 82 with these drugs. I read about what high bp can do, cause strokes , heart attack, etc. So I will put up with a little side effects and hope they go away. Losarton caused itching, and I couldn't stand that.
I do feel fatigued, but I don't work so I can nap during the day. I will stay on these meds unless side effects get worse.
The lisinopril and Norvasc combination seems to work better for some people than others. I experienced too many side effects and had to switch to something else. But my friend is on them and it works well for him with little to no side effects. I guess it depends on the individual.
@turquoise-- That happened to me as well when I first started using these medications. I was extremely tired. But after the first month, this side effect lessened considerably. I'm now mostly fine.
I think that fatigue is not only due to the medications but due to the change in blood pressure. If the body was used to higher blood pressure rates, it will take some time for it to adjust to lower blood pressure. So the fatigue might just be a sign that your body hasn't adjusted yet.
If this side effect doesn't wear off after a few weeks though, then you should talk to your doctor about it. Speak to your doctor sooner if other side effects develop.
I take lisinopril and Norvasc for high blood pressure. This combination is very effective. It keeps my otherwise uncontrollable blood pressure in the normal range. I'm very happy that I've found a treatment that actually works for me.
The only issue is that the medications cause a lot of fatigue. I'm not sure if it's the lisinopril or Norvasc, or combining them, but I'm tired all the time. I barely have energy to do anything.
Does anyone else experience this side effect from lisinopril and Norvasc?
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